Saturday, November 12, 2005

The Bono Praise Album

The Passion of the Bono

Go ahead — roll your eyes at Bono's persistent messianic complex. But maybe the guy's got good reason to think he's bigger than Jesus. Don't forget, Jesus has had 2,000 years to firm up his reputation, while the U2 singer has been alive only since 1960. And — sorry, Pat Robertson — isn't it about time we got some new blood in the deity department? Here's a side-by-side comparison of history's two most important men:

Jesus: Ascended Karn Hattin in Galilee to deliver his "Sermon on the Mount," telling the decent-sized crowd, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Since that time, the world has been embroiled in an endless procession of wars, persecution, and genocide — much of which has been undertaken in Jesus' name.

Bono: Ascended the foothills of Colorado to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre during a torrential downpour, where, in front of a sold-out crowd, he waved a huge white flag to dramatically symbolize the need for a peaceful resolution to the troubles in Northern Ireland. Twenty years later, the IRA is all but dissolved and a permanent state of calm seems to have taken hold in Northern Ireland.

Winner: Bono

Jesus: Turned water into wine.

Bono: Turned lousy lyrics by Salman Rushdie into a good song ("The Ground Beneath Her Feet").

Winner: Bono

Jesus: Clashed with the Pharisees, condemning them as self-righteous and hypocritical, and engaged in contentious meetings with them, after which the Pharisees hated him even more.

Jesus: Multiplied loaves of bread and some fish to feed 5,000 people at Tabgha.

Bono: Through countless charitable organizations, speaking engagements, and benefit concerts, has worked to multiply the amount of food and monetary donations sent to Africa, which has helped feed millions.

Winner: Bono

Jesus: Raised Lazarus from the dead.

Bono: Raised U2 from the dead after the Popmart tour debacle.

Winner: Jesus, by the slightest of margins

Jesus: During his lifetime, had only a small contingent of loyal supporters.